Midfielder Asa Hall says he is relishing battling it out with his old club, Birmingham City, in tonight’s pre-season friendly at the Kassam Stadium (7.45).

Birmingham-born Hall, who was at Blues for five years, scored the winner in the U’s 1-0 success against MK Dons on Saturday.

And he now wants to do more of the same against his former employers in their second home pre-season game.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Hall, who is a lifelong Aston Villa fan.

“I had an excellent time at Birmingham and still live in the area. I was at St Andrew’s from the age of 15 to 20 and made my debut for both the England under 19s and under 20s teams.

“I was their young player of the year.

“There’s not many players left I know at Birmingham. A lot left after they got relegated. Cameron Jerome is still there.”

Hall said he was delighted to get off the mark in pre-season and is keen to eclipse the four goals he netted for the U’s in 41 appearances last season.

He added: “It’s a good start for me – it was a great ball from Alfie Potter – I just had to make sure I hit the target.

“I was disappointed with the number of goals I got last season, although I was a bit unlucky because I kept hitting the woodwork. I suppose I’ll just have to aim a bit lower.

“I want to get into double figures this season.

“And if Alfie (Potter) can put chances like that on a plate for me that would be perfect. Alfie’s looked really good in pre-season.”

United are likely to be without four players for the game against Birmingham, who are now managed by Chris Hughton.

New signings Peter Leven (foot), Tony Capaldi (hamstring), Andrew Whing (stiffness), and midfielder Paul McLaren (calf strain) all missed the MK Dons game.

Boss Chris Wilder wants his team to keep up the good work against Birmingham.

He said: “I’m looking for the same sort of performance we had against MK Dons although we need to work harder and keep the ball better.

“It’s all about the players getting more game time together.”